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Benson scratched from Class A start

Benson scratched from Class A start

PHILADELPHIA -- Kris Benson suffered another setback in his return from right shoulder surgery and was scratched from his scheduled start Monday for Class A Clearwater.

The right-hander felt tightness and soreness in his right biceps, according to assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

"It's a concern for him not to pitch," Amaro said. "He tested it this morning and didn't feel comfortable posting up. We're concerned about it. We obviously don't like it. We'd like to be able to have him be able to pitch consistently and be healthy. We'll stay with him for now and see how he progresses.

"We need to get him on the mound and evaluate him and see if he's going to be able to help us in the big leagues."

That has been a tricky equation for the right-hander, who signed a Minor League deal with Philadelphia in February and is attempting a comeback from May 2007 surgery.

This is Benson's third setback. Biceps tendinitis slowed him in Spring Training and he strained his right groin in April. Benson started in an extended spring training setting on Tuesday and was set to make his Clearwater Threshers debut.

The Phillies hope Benson can help them this season, though Amaro isn't so sure.

"We don't know," he said.

Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.